Reports: Thumb injury makes Tamim Iqbal uncertain for Pakistan Tests

Bangladesh batter Tamim Iqbal has become doubtful for the Tigers’ two-match Test series against Pakistan due to a thumb injury. The left-handed batter hasn’t played international cricket since the tour of Zimbabwe back in July and it seems, he’d have to wait longer to don the national colours again. He sustained an injury on his left thumb in the previous edition of the Everest Premier League.

As per latest scans on Sunday, November 14, his injury has aggravated and with 12 days left for the Test series, Tamim has to fight against time to stage a comeback. Tamim last played any form of cricket back in October when he plied his trade for the Bhairahawa Gladiators in the EPL. The veteran played five games and scored 75 runs with a top score of 40 against Chitwan Tigers.

Tamim Iqbal practicing in Dhaka

Going by reports in Daily Star, the Chittagong-born is under the close observation of BCB’s medical team. Moreover, it’s learned that the medical team will asses the batter’s condition on Monday, November 15. The 32-year-old Tamim has already started his recovery process and has been practising at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur.

Bangladesh are set to lock horns with Pakistan in two Tests, starting Friday, November 26. The Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram will host the first Test after which the second match will take place in Dhaka from Saturday, December 4. Prior to that, the Tigers will also play three T20Is against Babar Azam and Co. on November 19, 20 and 22.

As far as Tamim is concerned, he has been a fulcrum of the Bangladesh cricket team across formats for more than 14 years. With 24 tons and 91 half-centuries from 361 matches, he has given an account of his class time and again. In Test cricket, he is 222 runs short of scoring 5000 runs.

Back in September, he decided to opt out of the T20 World Cup as he wanted youngsters to get chances in the tournament. However, the Tigers felt his absence as they couldn’t garner a single in the Super 12 of the mega event. Bangladesh also lost to Kyle Coetzer’s Scotland in the Qualifiers.